‘Mary Poppins,’ 'It’s a Small World’ songwriter Richard M. Sherman dead at 95

Richard M. Sherman, one half of the prolific songwriting duo with his brother Robert Sherman, has died at 95.

The Walt Disney Company announced the news on their website on Saturday.

"Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, half of the Academy Award-winning songwriting team of the Sherman Brothers (with his late brother, Disney Legend Robert B. Sherman), passed away Saturday, May 25, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, due to age-related illness. He was 95 years old," their statement read.

It continued: "Generations of moviegoers and theme park guests have been introduced to the world of Disney through the Sherman brothers’ magnificent and timeless songs. Even today, the duo’s work remains the quintessential lyrical voice of Walt Disney."

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Sherman, with his brother Robert, earned two Oscars and a Grammy for their work on "Mary Poppins," best score and best original song, for "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Disney’s statement also notes that the film’s song "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" was a pop hit in 1965, and "Feed the Birds" was one of Walt Disney’s personal favorites.

He and his brother also wrote music for the theme park, including "There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" and "It’s a Small World."

Born on June 12, 1928, in New York City, Sherman and his brother followed in their songwriter father Al Sherman’s footsteps. The family moved to Beverly Hills in 1937, and he attended Bard College, majoring in music. 

Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served as the conductor for the Army band and glee club from 1953 to 1955.

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According to Disney’s website, Gene Autry was the first to record a Sherman brothers song in 1951, with "Gold Can Buy You Anything But Love," and they got their big break through Mouseketeer Annette Funicello, who recorded their song "Tall Paul."

At Disney, they wrote over 150 songs, including the soundtracks for such films as "The Sword and the Stone," "The Parent Trap," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Jungle Book," "The Aristocats" and "The Tigger Movie."

In the 1970s, the duo moved away from Disney and wrote music for other family films, including "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Charlotte’s Web" and "The Slipper and the Rose."

"Something good happens when we sit down together and work," Richard Sherman told The Associated Press in a 2005 joint interview with his brother. "We’ve been doing it all our lives. Practically since college we’ve been working together."

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Robert died in London in 2012.

The Sherman brothers’ other honors include 23 gold and platinum albums, induction into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2005, and the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President George W. Bush in 2008 for music that "has helped bring joy to millions."

They also hold the distinction of being the only Americans to win first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for their musical "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in 1973.

Disney confirmed a private funeral service will be held on Friday, May 31, followed by a "celebration of life" to be held at a later date.

"Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf, and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, as well as her two children and three grandchildren," the company noted.  

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Rafael Nadal, 37, dismisses notion this is his last French Open: 'Don't assume that'

Rafael Nadal has missed each of the last four grand slams but is making his return to the French Open, where he plays his best.

The 37-year-old has dominated the clay his entire career, and 14 of his 22 grand slam wins have come at Roland Garros, including his most recent just two years ago.

Injuries hampered his 2023 season, and he was out for almost a full year, dropping out of the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time in nearly 20 years before finally returning to the Brisbane Invitational in December.

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Another injury, though, forced him to miss the Australian Open, and age may finally be catching up to Nadal.

It wasn't that long ago he was dominating. His 2022 French Open victory was his second consecutive grand slam, as he had won the Australian Open for the second time earlier that year.

Nadal will turn 38 June 3, the day before the Open's quarterfinals begin, and he's hinted this year could be his last. But on Saturday, he kept the door open.

Players, fans and the media have been assuming it will be his farewell appearance at the French Open.

Asked whether that's accurate, Nadal channeled Felix Unger.

"Don’t assume that. It’s a big, big chance that it’s going to be my last Roland Garros," Nadal said. "But if I have to tell you it’s 100% my last Roland Garros? Sorry, but I will not. Because I cannot predict what’s going on."

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In the first round, the Spaniard drew Alexander Zverev, the No. 4 player in the world who went toe-to-toe with Nadal in the 2022 French Open semifinal before a gruesome ankle injury forced Zverev to miss the rest of the season.

While Nadal has often intimated retirement is beckoning, he said Saturday he doesn't "want to close, 100%, the door," because he is enjoying playing tennis, he likes traveling with his wife and young son and, he added, "I was not able to explore yet the proper way how I will be able to play, being in, again, more or less healthy conditions, playing without limitation."

He asked Saturday for a halt to questions about his future while he figures things out.

"Give me some time," Nadal said. "Maybe in one month and a half, I'll say, ‘OK, it’s enough. I can’t keep going.’ But today, in some way, I cannot guarantee that that’s going to be the last one." 

Nadal and Zverev will take the court on Monday at 6 a.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Trump VP short list has new top contender: report

Former President Donald Trump is whittling down his list of potential running mates, and one lawmaker is moving up, according to a report from The New York Times.

Sources close to Trump claim Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas is quickly becoming a top contender for the role, according to a Friday report from the outlet.

The three sources — who remained unnamed in the report — said Trump values Cotton's reliability and clear communication of policy.

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Trump has kept his vice-presidential machinations close to his chest since the beginning of the 2024 campaign, offering a variety of names at different points in time. Cotton has been similarly unwilling to confirm or deny any rumors about his prospects in a hypothetical second Trump administration.

"I suspect only Donald Trump knows who is really on his short list," the senator told Fox News on Monday. 

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He continued, "When we do talk, we talk about what it’s going to take to win this election in November — to elect President Trump to another term in the White House and elect a Republican Congress, so we can begin to repair the damage that Joe Biden’s presidency has inflicted on this country."

Many former foes and rivals of Trump now stand as key vice-presidential hopefuls, including Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio is another name that has been circulated.

The campaign recently stated that former primary opponent Nikki Haley, a onetime South Carolina governor and former UN ambassador, is not under consideration.

Trump's final selection will likely not be confirmed until the Republican National Convention in July.

Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

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Demi Moore lashes out at audience while honoring Cher

Demi Moore appeared to be quite impatient with members of the star-studded audience at amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS Cannes Gala in Cap d’Antibes, France.

On Thursday, Moore was onstage and introducing Cher when she called out a member from the back of the audience at Hotel du Cap, Eden.

In a video uploaded to X, Moore began her speech, "I’m going to see if this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for."

After a mediocre response from the audience, Moore said, "I’m just making sure that you’re really, really with me," before taking a pause. "Because this incredible woman that I’m about to introduce — she’s a Grammy winner, an Oscar winner, an Emmy winner."

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Moore paused for another moment before directing her next statement to a member of the audience. 

"Are you an Emmy winner over there in the back of the room? I f–king don’t think so," Moore said to an unidentified audience member.

It's unclear exactly what was said by the guest to spark this reaction from Moore, but some audience members were enthused by her remark. Some guests laughed and cheered for Moore before she continued her speech honoring Cher.

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"She’s a style icon and my personal hair inspiration. And she was honored by amfAR for their award of inspiration in 2015," Moore continued. "The bottom line is she is just one of the most talented, successful, and best-loved performers of all time."

Moore concluded, "So please, please give a warm welcome to the incredible, one and only, Cher."

Reps for Moore did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Moore, whose film "The Substance" caused a stir at Cannes, hosted this year’s gala, a role launched by Elizabeth Taylor in 1993.

The Cannes Film Festival concludes on May 25, but stars flocked to the resort town in the French Riviera starting May 14 to witness film screenings being debuted.

Heidi Klum, Andie MacDowell, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, Michelle Yeoh, Kelly Rowland and Diane Kruger were some of the stars in attendance at amfAR's 30th annual Gala rasing money for AIDS research. 

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Rowland addressed her Cannes controversy from earlier in the week when she appeared to have an altercation with security on the red carpet.

"The woman knows what happened. I know what happened. And, I have a boundary, and I stand by those boundaries, and that is it. And there were other women that attended that carpet who did not quite look like me, and they didn’t get scolded, or pushed off or told to get off," Rowland told The Associated Press. "And, I stood my ground, and she felt like she had to stand hers, but I stood my ground, and that was it."

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American missionary couple killed in Haiti, agency says

Two American Christian missionaries were killed by gang violence in Haiti on Thursday, said Missouri State Rep. Ben Baker, whose daughter, Natalie, died in the attack.

Davy and Natalie Lloyd, full-time missionaries to Haiti, were shot and killed at 9 p.m. Thursday, according to Missions In Haiti, Inc. Baker posted about the attack on Facebook.

"My heart is broken in a thousand pieces. I’ve never felt this kind of pain," Baker wrote. "They went to Heaven together. Please pray for my family we desperately need strength. And please pray for the Lloyd family as well. I have no other words for now."

Missions In Haiti is a nonprofit Christian ministry founded by David and Alicia Lloyd that has operated in the Caribbean nation since 2000, according to the group's website. The couple's son, Davy, and his wife, Natalie Lloyd (Baker), joined the mission after they were married in June 2022, according to Natalie's Instagram account. 

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According to the nonprofit, Davy, Natalie and several children were at a youth group gathering at church on Thursday when "they were ambushed by a gang of 3 trucks full of guys." 

"Davy was taken to the house tied up and beat. The gang then took our trucks and loaded everything up they wanted and left," Missions In Haiti said in a social media post. 

The group recounted that "another gang" went to the scene "to see what was going on and if they could help, so they say." 

"No one understood what they were doing, not sure what took place but one was shot and killed and now this gang went into full attack mode," Missions In Haiti said. 

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Davy, Natalie and another individual named Jude were in the house, communicating what was happening to Missions In Haiti via Starlink satellite internet. As they hid, the gangs began shooting at the house, according to Missions In Haiti.

Missions in Haiti lost contact with the missionaries. Hours later, they posted that Davy, Natalie and Jude were killed in the attack.

Missions in Haiti and Sen. Baker did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.

Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the tragedy, posting "God bless Davy and Natalie" on Truth Social.

"Such a tragedy. Haiti is totally out of control. Find the killers NOW!!!" Trump wrote. 

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Haiti, an island nation plagued by poverty, natural disasters and corruption, has plunged into further turmoil since Feb. 29, when gangs launched coordinated attacks, burned police stations, opened fire on the main international airport and stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates. The country’s largest seaport also remains paralyzed as food, medication and other critical items dwindle.

At least 1.4 million Haitians are on the verge of famine, according to the U.N.’s World Food Program.

Gang leader Jimmy "Barbeque" Chérizier and his "G9 Families and Allies" claimed responsibility for the mass jailbreak and accompanying bloodbath, which left at least nine dead and forced the U.S. to issue urgent warnings to leave Haiti "as soon as possible." More than 2,500 people have been killed or injured in Haiti from January to March, the Associated Press reported. 

"Barbeque" came to power after rival gang leaders Joly "Yonyon" Germine and Eliande Tunis were arrested in Florida and convicted for the October 2021-armed abduction and ransom of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including five children as young as eight months, during a missionary trip to an orphanage.

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President Biden's administration has agreed to contribute $300 million to a multinational force that will include 1,000 police officers from Kenya who have been sent to Haiti to reestablish law and order.

"Haiti is in an area of the Caribbean that is a very volatile," Biden said at a news conference with Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday. "There’s a lot going on in this hemisphere. So we’re in a situation where we want to do all we can without us looking like America once again is stepping over and deciding this is what must be done."

Haiti's main international airport in Port-au-Prince reopened for the first time since March on Monday, though the seaport remains closed. Gangs control 80% of the capital, according to the AP.

The U.S. government has evacuated hundreds of citizens by helicopter who fled the violence, along with nonprofit groups operating in the besieged capital.

The U.S. in recent weeks has also flown military planes over Haiti and landed them at the Toussaint-Louverture airport to help prepare for the arrival of foreign troops. 

"I can tell you for sure that deployment will happen in the next few days, few weeks," Kenya's foreign affairs principal secretary, Korir Sing'oei, said on Sunday. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Former NFL player Antonio Brown backs Donald Trump, cites pardons for hip-hop figures

Former NFL player Antonio Brown is known for saying virtually anything that is on his mind.

The outspoken Super Bowl champion recently sat down for a wide-ranging interview with OutKick. The conversation eventually shifted to politics, with author Nick Adams asking Brown about the origins of his perceptive affinity for former President Trump.

"I've never met him. I've got admiration for his business moves and I study his dad Fred Trump. But, I think Donald Trump is a good businessman and come[s] from a good family and has been a good president," Brown told Adams.

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Adams later asked Brown if he was backing Trump in the upcoming presidential election.

"Are you endorsing Trump?" Brown declared.

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Brown cited the pardons and commutations Trump granted in his final days in the Oval Office in 2021.

"I think he does some great things for my brothers in the music industry in regards to Lil Wayne, Kodak [Black]."

In the days leading up to the 2020 presidential election, five-time Grammy Award winner Lil Wayne met with Trump at a Florida golf club. The encounter culminated with a photo of the rapper standing next to the politician – which was shared on Wayne's social media account. 

Just a few weeks after the meeting, Wayne was charged with felony gun possession. He proceeded to enter a guilty plea. At the time, the music star faced up to a decade in prison.

But, Wayne's sentencing never happened, as the hip-hop artist was among the 143 pardons and commutation announced by the former president on his final day in office. On Jan. 21, 2021, Wayne thanked Trump for granting his pardon.

Desiree Perez, the CEO of Jay-Z's entertainment company Roc Nation and Death Row Records co-founder Michael "Harry O" Harris, were also on the list of individuals who received pardons or commutations. The string of decisions by Trump seemed to cap a lengthy, yet complicated relationship between the former president and the hip-hop industry.

Brown also called on Trump to help "free Young Thug." The rapper is currently standing trial before an Atlanta jury. The hip-hop star, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was arrested in Atlanta in May 2022 and is charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act for an offense dating to January 2013, and suspicion of participating in criminal street gang activity. 

"Trump… if you're watching this you need to free Young Thug if you could help out," Brown said.

Only a sitting U.S. president can grant a pardon or commutation of federal charges. The pardons or commutations do not apply to state charges or any other charges.

Brown appeared in seven games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. A shirtless Brown famously jogged to the stadium tunnel in the third quarter of a game against the New York Jets.

Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, who spent two seasons with Brown in Tampa Bay, later acknowledged the wide receiver would no longer be a member of the team.

"I mean that's obviously a difficult situation and I think we all want him to – I think everybody should find, hopefully do what they can to help him in ways that he really needs it," Brady said in the postgame press conference. "We all love him, we care about him deeply, we want to see him be at his best, and unfortunately it won't be with our team."

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7 important health stories you might have missed this week: Catch up here

Every day of the week, Fox News Digital publishes a range of health pieces to keep you up-to-date on the most important wellness news.

We cover cutting-edge medical research, breakthrough medications, mental health challenges, personal medical dramas and more.

In case you missed them, here are a few of our biggest health stories from this week.

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You can see a full list of recent health pieces at http://www.foxnews/health. 

If you're feeling hungrier than usual lately, your sleep routine could be the culprit. A nutritional biologist offers tips for regulating sleep and curbing unhealthy cravings. Click here to get the story.

The CDC and WebMD teamed up this week to deliver an hour-long update on Thursday about the current bird flu outbreak. Fox News Digital breaks down the most important points. Click here to get the story.

For Skin Cancer Awareness Month, two melanoma patients are speaking up about their symptoms, treatment and prevention tips to help others avoid the potentially deadly disease. Click here to get the story.

Patients with private health insurance could be charged up to 300% more than those with Medicare, a new report reveals. Doctors explain the reasons for the sticker shock. Click here to get the story.

A Dallas pastor who fought his own depression battle shares how he overcame the disease – and why it's so important for those in church leadership to seek help when they need it. Click here to get the story.

A Chicago nurse struggled with COVID-19-related PTSD and depression for years until electrical brain tapping therapy finally gave her a new lease on life. Click here to get the story.

A 22-year-old man in Nebraska required a double lung transplant due to vaping. Jackson Allard shares his story as a cautionary tale. "I had a 1% chance to live," he said. Click here to get the story.

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